WHO Bulletin - Information Systems

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This month’s special theme: Health Information Systems (pp. 562–564)

In the first editorial, Sally Stansfield welcomes growing recognition of the need for more investment in health information systems. Such systems may seem expensive for developing countries, but the costs are offset by improved efficiencies. In another editorial, Kimberlyn M. McGrail & Charlyn Black argue that developing countries starting to set up health information systems can learn from the mistakes of wealthier countries. Middle-to-low-income countries should incorporate mechanisms to ensure that health data can be easily accessed by those who need them. Finally, Tony Williams argues that poor countries should shift to policy-making that is based on evidence by developing a health information system that adapts the existing data situation.